The Bible offers clear warnings about communication with the dead. Scriptures like Deuteronomy 18 caution against seeking out mediums or attempting to communicate with spirits. Instead, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God and seek His wisdom rather than looking to the dead for guidance.
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What Does The Bible Say About talking to the dead
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
This verse from the book of Deuteronomy serves as a clear warning against engaging in practices that involve communicating with the dead. The Lord strictly forbids any form of divination, sorcery, witchcraft, or consulting mediums or spiritists. These practices are considered detestable and sinful in God’s eyes, as they divert people away from putting their trust in Him alone.
As Christians, it is important for us to understand and abide by God’s commandments. He desires our complete trust and reliance on Him, rather than seeking guidance or communication from the spirits of the departed. Instead, we are encouraged to seek God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer, His Word, and the Holy Spirit.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
In this verse, the Lord commands His people not to turn to mediums or seek out spiritists. By engaging in such practices, they would become defiled and disconnected from God. The Lord reminds His people that He is their God, the One they should turn to for guidance, protection, and comfort.
As Christians, we should heed this commandment and place our trust in God alone. He has revealed Himself to us through His Word and has provided us with the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Seeking communication with the dead leads us down a dangerous path, as it often involves opening ourselves up to deception and false spirits. Instead, let us seek the presence of the living God and find true peace and assurance in His presence.
1 Samuel 28:7-20
“Then Saul said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they said. So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. ‘Consult a spirit for me,’ he said, ‘and bring up for me the one I name.’ But the woman said to him, ‘Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?’ Saul swore to her by the Lord, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, you will not be punished for this.’ Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’ The king said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. What do you see?’ The woman said, ‘I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.’ ‘What does he look like?’ he asked. ‘An old man wearing a robe is coming up,’ she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ Saul answered, ‘I am in great distress. The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.’ Samuel said, ‘Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.'”
This story recounts the desperate act of King Saul, who sought the help of a medium to communicate with the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Saul was in great distress and sought guidance after God had departed from him due to his disobedience. However, instead of finding comfort or answers from the dead, the encounter only brought further condemnation upon Saul.
This account serves as a cautionary tale for Christians. While it is natural to seek guidance and answers in times of distress, we must remember that God has provided us with all we need through His Word and His Spirit. The story of Saul reminds us that seeking communication with the dead is not only forbidden by God but can also lead to confusion, deception, and further disobedience.
Isaiah 8:19
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from God rather than consulting the dead or practicing divination. The prophet Isaiah challenges the people to rely on their God for answers and to seek Him diligently rather than turning to alternative sources.
As Christians, we are called to have faith in the living God and to depend on Him for wisdom and guidance. In times of uncertainty or when we face difficult decisions, our first instinct should be to seek God through prayer and study of His Word. We should trust that He is faithful to provide the guidance and direction we need, rather than seeking communication with the dead, which ultimately leads us away from God.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
As Christians, we must always remember that our battles are not merely physical or earthly. This verse reminds us that we are engaged in a spiritual warfare against unseen spiritual forces of evil. It is in this context that communicating with the dead becomes even more dangerous, as it opens doors to supernatural realms that may not align with God’s truth.
Instead, our focus should be on aligning ourselves with God’s truth, standing firm in our faith, and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome evil. Seeking communication with the dead can distract us from this battle and potentially expose us to deceptive spirits or influences that are contrary to God’s will.
Isaiah 29:4
“Brought low, you will speak from the ground; your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will come ghostlike from the earth; out of the dust your speech will whisper.”
This verse paints a vivid picture of the futility and emptiness of seeking communication with the dead. It emphasizes that the dead have no power or influence in the affairs of the living. Their voices are reduced to whispers and mumbled words from the dust.
As Christians, we should take this as a reminder that our focus should be on the living God, who has power over life and death. Seeking communication with the dead can lead to a reliance on empty and deceptive sources, distracting us from the authority and truth found in God’s Word.
Leviticus 20:6
“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
This verse reinforces the seriousness of consulting mediums and spiritists. The Lord declares that He will set His face against those who engage in such practices and will cut them off from their people.
As Christians, we must take this warning seriously and avoid any involvement with mediums, psychics, or divination practices. These forms of communication with the dead are not only contrary to God’s commands but can also lead us down a dangerous path of spiritual bondage and deception.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse includes witchcraft as one of the acts of the flesh, which is to be avoided by believers. Witchcraft encompasses practices such as attempting to communicate with the dead or seeking supernatural knowledge apart from God’s revelation.
As Christians, we are called to live by the Spirit and walk in the ways of righteousness. Engaging in witchcraft or any form of communication with the dead goes against the values and principles of God’s kingdom. Let us, therefore, seek to live lives that are characterized by the fruits of the Spirit, staying away from practices that are contrary to God’s Word.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”
This passage recounts the demise of King Saul, who sought guidance from a medium instead of seeking the Lord’s counsel. Saul’s disobedience in consulting a medium led to dire consequences, as he was unfaithful to God and disregarded His commands.
As Christians, we can learn from Saul’s example and understand the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives. Instead of relying on human or supernatural means of communication outside God’s plan, let us seek the Lord wholeheartedly and trust in His faithfulness to lead and guide us.
Leviticus 20:27
“A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.”
This verse portrays the severity of engaging in practices such as consulting mediums and spiritists. In the Old Testament, the penalty for such actions was death by stoning. It underscores the seriousness with which God views these practices.
As Christians, we are no longer under the Old Testament law, but the principle remains relevant. Our commitment should be to follow God’s commands and seek His guidance rather than turning to sources that lead us away from Him. Let us strive to know and obey God’s Word, allowing its truth to shape our beliefs and actions.
Acts 16:16-18
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”
This incident during Paul’s missionary journey illustrates the dangers and deception involved in seeking supernatural knowledge from sources outside of God. The slave girl possessed a spirit of divination and was able to predict the future, which brought profit to her owners.
Paul recognized that even though what the girl was saying seemed true, it was coming from a deceptive spirit that was not aligned with the truth of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Paul cast out the spirit from the girl, setting her free from its influence.
Isaiah 47:9
“Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the limitations and futility of sorceries and spells when faced with the trials of life. The Lord pronounces judgment on those who rely on these practices, asserting that such methods cannot save them from the consequences of their choices.
As Christians, we should take this as a warning against seeking supernatural solutions outside of God’s provision. While it may be tempting to resort to occult practices or communication with the dead to find answers or control outcomes, we must trust in the sovereignty and faithfulness of God, recognizing that true peace and strength come from Him alone.
Jeremiah 27:9-10
“So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish.”
In this passage, Jeremiah warns against listening to false prophets and practitioners of divination. These individuals were misleading the people, offering false assurances and prophesying lies that would ultimately lead to their destruction.
As Christians, we are called to be discerning and test the spirits to ensure that they align with God’s truth. Seeking communication with the dead or relying on divination can leave us susceptible to deception and false guidance. Let us cling to the true Word of God and seek His wisdom above all else.
Isaiah 19:3
“The spirits of the dead will tremble beneath the waters, and all Egypt’s idols will quake with them.”
This verse refers to the judgment that would come upon Egypt and its idols. It paints a picture of even the spirits of the dead trembling in fear of God’s impending wrath.
As Christians, we should take note that even the spirits of the dead are subject to God’s authority and judgment. Seeking communication with the dead can inadvertently align us with forces or entities that are in opposition to God’s will. Let us, therefore, humbly submit to God’s authority and seek His guidance through prayer and His Word.
1 Samuel 28:8-19
“So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. ‘Consult a spirit for me,’ he said, ‘and bring up for me the one I name.’ But the woman said to him, ‘Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?’ Saul swore to her by the Lord, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, you will not be punished for this.’ Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’ The king said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. What do you see?’ The woman said, ‘I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.’ ‘What does he look like?’ he asked. ‘An old man wearing a robe is coming up,’ she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ Saul answered, ‘I am in great distress. The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.’ Samuel said, ‘Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.'”
This passage describes the incident where King Saul sought the help of a medium to communicate with the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Saul was desperate for guidance, as he felt abandoned by God and was facing imminent defeat in battle.
Although the medium managed to summon Samuel’s spirit, it was not an act ordained by God and did not lead to a favorable outcome for Saul. Samuel’s message was one of judgment and impending doom, reflecting the consequences of Saul’s disobedience and lack of trust in God.
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord your God. The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so.”
In this passage, the Lord instructs His people to abstain from the detestable practices of the nations around them, which included consulting the dead through mediums and spiritists. God warns that participating in such practices is abhorrent to Him and He will drive out the nations that engage in them.
As Christians, we are called to a higher standard, to be blameless before the Lord. We must not allow ourselves to be influenced by the practices of the world or seek supernatural guidance from sources that do not align with God’s Word. Let us hold fast to the commands of our God and put our trust in Him alone.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
This verse serves as a warning against seeking out mediums or spiritists. God declares that engaging in such practices will result in defilement.
As Christians, we must strive to maintain our purity and holiness before the Lord. Seeking communication with the dead or participating in occult practices tarnishes our relationship with God and opens doors to spiritual contamination. Let us, therefore, avoid any involvement with mediums or spiritists and instead turn to the Lord as our ultimate source of guidance and direction.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
In this verse, the book of Revelation warns of the eternal consequences that await those who engage in wickedness and participate in practices such as magic arts. The fate of those who persist in such sinful activities is described as the fiery lake of burning sulfur, symbolizing eternal separation from God.
As Christians, we must make every effort to live in obedience to God’s commands and stay away from practices that oppose His will. Seeking communication with the dead falls into the category of magic arts, which is condemned in this passage. Let us strive to walk in righteousness and pursue a relationship with God that leads to everlasting life.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This passage serves as a cautionary reminder that in the last days, some will abandon the faith and be led astray by deceiving spirits and teachings from demons. It is within this context that seeking communication with the dead becomes especially dangerous.
As Christians, we must be vigilant and discerning in our spiritual journey. The enemy seeks to deceive and lead us away from God’s truth. Seeking communication with the dead opens doors to deceptive spirits that can confuse and mislead us. Let us cling to God’s Word and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, avoiding any practices that may expose us to spiritual deceit.
1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
This verse highlights the incompatibility of seeking communion with the Lord while also seeking communication with demonic spirits. It emphasizes that we cannot partake in both the things of God and the things of the enemy.
As Christians, we are called to a relationship with God that is pure and devoted solely to Him. Engaging in practices such as communicating with the dead or seeking supernatural guidance from sources outside of God’s plan is tantamount to partaking in the table of demons. Let us, therefore, choose to fully commit ourselves to the Lord, recognizing that He alone is the source of our strength and guidance.
Isaiah 8:19-20
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
These verses emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from God rather than turning to mediums and spiritists. In times of uncertainty or distress, the people are encouraged to inquire of God and consult His instructions and warnings.
As Christians, we have been blessed with the Word of God as our ultimate source of truth and guidance. Instead of seeking communication with the dead, let us turn to God’s Word and invite His Spirit to illuminate and shape our understanding. By doing so, we can be confident that we are walking in the light of His truth.
2 Kings 23:24
“Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord.”
This verse recounts the actions of King Josiah, who eradicated idolatry and the practices of mediums and spiritists from the land to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book discovered in the temple.
As Christians, we can learn from Josiah’s example and seek to remove any influence of idolatry or practices that go against God’s Word from our lives. Let us seek to live in obedience to God’s commands and uphold His truth in all aspects of our lives, including our approach to seeking guidance and avoiding communication with the dead.